2012 Subaru Forester Technical Service Bulletins

388 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Subaru Forester. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10155225Feb 22, 2019Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the rubber timing hole access plug to improve its retention and prevent water intrusion into the converter case.
• 10154425Jan 31, 2019Engine, Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to announce a change to the specification of the valve springs used in the FB engine. The new springs have different color paint marks to help identify their application.
• 10154411Jan 14, 2019Air bags. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN). This phase of the Takata recall expansion includes all remaining vehicles equipped with a non-desciccated Takata-sourced passenger…
• 10153187Nov 14, 2018Engine. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability. In some cases, the Check Engine light may illuminate and a knock sensor-related DTC set in the ECM memory: P0327, P0328, P0332 and P0333. The knock sensor for DIT engines is now utilized for NA engines to improve durability and resistance to heat.
• 10150949Oct 26, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate.
• 10150924Oct 26, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate.
• 10145075Aug 28, 2018Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes. We advise you to always refer to the STIS web site when looking for the latest Service information.
• 10144874Aug 1, 2018Equipment, Engine. In conjunction with the launch of our new Remanufactured FB Engine Short Block Program, SOA would like to reinforce Core Return Policy (See Parts Policy & Procedures Manual ? Section 12.3 Core Returns ? Reman) and provide suggestions for removal and handling of the short block.
• 10144873Aug 1, 2018Equipment, Engine. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oilconsumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result ofany condition(s) other than…
• 10142827Jun 11, 2018Electrical system. This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate.
• 10141499May 10, 2018Equipment. This bulletin announces a design change to the A/C Condenser receiver-dryer assembly. The change involves the addition of a rubber end cap and retaining clip onto the bottom of the receiver-dryer tank portion to prevent corrosion intrusion and enhance sealing.
• 10133517Mar 12, 2018Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of new VDC Control Module & Hydraulic Units (VDCCM&H/U) to address isolated customer concerns of the green Hill Holder light blinking and cancel warning alarm sounding during cranking / starting the engine
• 10133516Mar 6, 2018Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines, 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines, 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only), with 2.5L FB Engines, 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0 FB Engines, 2014-15 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.0 FB Engine As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
• 10140479Feb 6, 2018Equipment, Engine. This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns. This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material which has an increased resistance to engine heat.
• 10140424Feb 6, 2018Engine. This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns. This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material which has an increased resistance to engine heat.
• 10130273Jan 26, 2018Electrical system, Exterior lighting. This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate.
• 10130277Jan 11, 2018Body and structure. ( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
• 10192930Jul 11, 2017Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 100,127 vehicles including certain 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback (turbo models only), 2008-2014 model year Impreza (turbo models only) and 2009-2013 model year Forester (turbo models only) vehicles to replace the secondary air pump relay.
• 10117528Jun 26, 2017Engine cooling. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines used on the models listed above. There have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become displaced resulting in engine oil seepage. Revisions made to the upper oil pan casting: * The mating flange thickness of the casting in the area identified as the cause for the…
• 10117529Jun 15, 2017Engine, Engine cooling. This Service Information bulletin announces a material change to the engine accessory drive / v-belt made to address customer concerns of a slipping belt (squeal or chirping) sound.
• 10111074Mar 10, 2017Engine cooling. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines used on the models listed above. There have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become displaced resulting in engine oil seepage.
• 10111069Dec 27, 2016Engine cooling. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
• 10120999Nov 29, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with Fujitsu Ten (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements.
• 10120998Nov 21, 2016Engine, Equipment. Refer to bulletin for engine/transmission type. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10120997Nov 16, 2016Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 10120985Oct 19, 2016Engine. 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.5L FB Engines - 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0 FB Engines - 2014-15 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.0 FB Engines. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
• 10131647Sep 30, 2016Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 10182589Aug 12, 2016Equipment, Engine. This Service Information bulletin provides new inspection and repair procedures for AVCS (Active Valve Control System) -related DTCs on the FA and FB engine equipped models listed above. The applicable Service Manuals will be revised with this new information in the near future.
• 10120978Jun 24, 2016Electrical system, Engine cooling. This bulletin provides a procedure for removal of the accessory Turbo Boost Gauge and restoration of the vehicle to pre-installation (OEM) condition. Due to circumstances beyond the control of Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA), the accessory Turbo Boost Gauge, p.n. H501SFG500 is no longer available. In the interest of customer satisfaction, SOA will address customer concerns involving a failure of the gauge by…
• 10139506May 17, 2016Equipment. Panasonic audio systems troubleshooting guide
• 10140501Apr 28, 2016Engine, Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Revised TSB. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10140523Apr 27, 2016Equipment. Oil Consumption Class Action Claim Notice Clarification VIN break point clarification Memo. Recently SOA has become aware of some retailer questions regarding the VIN breakpoint information supplied as part of the class action notice.
• 10140527Apr 14, 2016Equipment. Oil Consumption Class Action Law Suit Frequently Asked Questions
• 10140500Apr 13, 2016Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. Revised TSB. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10140499Apr 12, 2016Equipment. Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and non-immobilizer type keys.
• 10120965Feb 25, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with FujitsuTen (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems
• 10089804Feb 25, 2016Equipment. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in f10 gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / sd card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. All 2012 to 2015 models equipped with fujitsuten (f10) generation 1 (gen1) audio / navigation systems
• 10086861Feb 25, 2016Equipment. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in f10 gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / sd card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. All 2012 to 2015 models equipped with fujitsuten (f10) generation 1 (gen1) audio / navigation systems
• 10120964Feb 24, 2016Engine cooling. Revised Service Bulletin: Surface Treatment Change To Oil Control Piston Rings This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in Service Bulletins 02-143-13R, 02-144-13R and 02-145-13R.
• 10083905Feb 1, 2016Engine. "proposed engine oil consumption class action settlement recently you may have seen various online and other media articles regarding subaru of america, inc. Reaching a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit for alleged oil consumption concerns on certain subaru vehicles. Some media outlets also supplied varying information on the contents of this settlement. The following information is being provided to…
• 10235843Jan 15, 2016Engine cooling. surface treatment change to oil control piston rings
• 10081070Jan 15, 2016Engine. Revised service bulletin: surface treatment change to oil control piston rings this bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in service bulletins 02-143-13r, 02-144-13r and 02-145-13r.
• 10094229Dec 7, 2015Equipment, Engine. This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in service bulletins 02-143-13r, 02-144-13r and 02-145-13r. These bulletins provided a repair procedure for the replacement of the piston rings to address verified concerns of unusual engine oil consumption. Vehicles confirmed as having this condition which are within the supplied vin ranges will no longer be…
• 10094224Dec 1, 2015Equipment, Engine. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.
• 10093904Nov 19, 2015Equipment, Engine. This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in service bulletins 02-143-13r, 02-144-13r and 02-145-13r. These bulletins provided a repair procedure for the replacement of the piston rings to address verified concerns of unusual engine oil consumption. Vehicles confirmed as having this condition which are within the supplied vin ranges will no longer be…
• 10093875Nov 12, 2015Engine. This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in service bulletins 02-143-13r, 02-144-13r and 02-145-13r. These bulletins provided a repair procedure for the replacement of the piston rings to address verified concerns of unusual engine oil consumption. Vehicles confirmed as having this condition which are within the supplied vin ranges will no longer be…
• 10093129Sep 28, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Subaru of america, inc. Has extended the availability of remanufactured cvt transmissions to include crosstrek, forester and impreza applications. Please check applications and availability through normal parts channels prior to making vehicle repairs. Retailers are required to use a remanufactured unit for all repairs reimbursed by subaru that require a major repair or replacement, except in the case of a “new”…
• 10093105Sep 11, 2015Equipment. "this service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. Nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which could affect operation or cause improper illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp. A small pilot portion was added to the threaded area on p.n. 25240ka051 as shown in the…
• 10093103Sep 10, 2015Engine. "this bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in service bulletins 02-143-13r, 02-144-13r and 02-145-13r. These bulletins provided a repair procedure for the replacement of the piston rings to address verified concerns of unusual engine oil consumption. Vehicles confirmed as having this condition which are within the supplied vin ranges will no longer be…
• 10093067Sep 10, 2015Engine. "this service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. Nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which could affect operation or cause improper illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp. A small pilot portion was added to the threaded area on p.n. 25240ka051 as shown in the…

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